The No. 1 Predictor Of Career Success According To Network Science

The No. 1 Predictor Of Career Success According To Network Science

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, career success is a goal that many aspire to achieve. We often wonder what sets successful individuals apart from the rest and what factors contribute to their achievements. Surprisingly, network science has uncovered a significant predictor of career success - being in an open network.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have consistently shown that individuals who belong to an open network have higher chances of achieving career success. But what exactly is an open network? An open network refers to a diverse and expansive network of connections that span across different industries, backgrounds, and perspectives. In contrast, a closed network consists of connections that are limited to a specific field or industry.

The concept of an open network making a difference in career success makes perfect sense. By being a part of an open network, individuals are exposed to new perspectives and ideas that can deepen their understanding of the world. They have the ability to pull information from diverse clusters, allowing them to gain a more accurate view of the world. This diverse input also helps in canceling out errors and biases, leading to a more well-rounded and informed viewpoint.

Research conducted by Philip Tetlock further supports the correlation between an open network and career success. Tetlock's study revealed that individuals with open networks are better forecasters than those with closed networks. This ability to accurately predict outcomes can be attributed to their exposure to a wide range of information and perspectives.

One of the key advantages of being part of an open network is the ability to serve as a translator or connector between different groups. Individuals with open networks can create value by acting as intermediaries and connecting people or organizations who wouldn't typically cross paths. This skill of connecting two parties who can help each other can lead to mutually beneficial collaborations and opportunities.

Interestingly, the top-performing studies in the field have found that the most successful individuals have references that are 90% conventional and 10% atypical. In other words, they pull inspiration and ideas not only from their own field but also from other unrelated fields. This ability to create atypical combinations is a hallmark of individuals with open networks, as they are more easily able to connect seemingly unrelated ideas and concepts.

Creativity, as famously stated by Steve Jobs, is just connecting things. When we look at the most creative individuals, we find that they have a broad understanding of the human experience. By being part of an open network, they have been exposed to a wide range of perspectives and ideas, enabling them to make unique connections and come up with innovative solutions.

So how can individuals harness the power of an open network to enhance their own career success? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Expand Your Network: Actively seek out opportunities to connect with individuals from different fields and industries. Attend networking events, join professional associations, and engage in online communities to broaden your network. Remember, the more diverse your network, the greater the potential for new opportunities.

• 2. Embrace Unconventional Sources: Don't limit your sources of inspiration and knowledge to your own industry. Explore books, articles, and podcasts from unrelated fields. Look for fresh perspectives and ideas that can be applied to your own work. By integrating unconventional sources into your thinking, you can develop a unique edge that sets you apart from others.

• 3. Foster Curiosity: Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Be open to learning from others, asking questions, and seeking out new experiences. Curious individuals are more likely to have the building blocks for crafting creative solutions, as they have a broader range of knowledge and experiences to draw from.

In conclusion, network science has revealed that being part of an open network is the number one predictor of career success. By expanding our networks, embracing unconventional sources, and fostering curiosity, we can enhance our own career trajectories. As we follow our hearts and curiosity into unknown worlds, we may not always be able to connect the dots looking forward, but we can trust that they will somehow connect in our future. We all have the potential to be heroes in our own careers; it just takes a little faith and the willingness to explore new possibilities.